Words John Edwards Picture Jonathan Moore

If The J.Davidson Stadium was looking particularly well turned out as you arrived for last Saturday's opening league match of the season, it was, in no small part, due to the sterling efforts of our latest volunteer of the month award winner.
IT specialist Ian Dorricott's hands are usually tapping away at a computer screen during working hours, but it's wielding a paint brush to spruce up all areas of our ground that has made him a worthy recipient of a £30 Blanchflower voucher.

Gates, doors, barriers, even the stanchions that hold up each stand roof - they've all had the benefit of countless coats of paint expertly administered by lifelong Alty fan Ian.

"I started getting involved when the club organised a working day last year and asked for volunteers to turn up and lend a hand," said Ian. "I got to know a few people there and really hit it off with them, and I asked to be kept informed if more work needed doing.

"Slowly but surely, I got more involved, to the extent that I ended up forming a sort of painting group with Alan Ford and Nigel Bunce!

"I work in IT, but I think I'm a fairly decent self-taught painter and decorator, and I certainly believe in doing a thorough job, which means doing all the prep that's needed and applying enough coats to ensure the finish looks just right.

"You've got to have pride in whatever you are doing, and since I started, I think I've painted just about every gate, door, barrier, railing and stanchion in the ground, except at the away end.

"There's always something that needs doing, and for the past couple of months, I've been spending two or three hours an evening four or five times a week painting one bit of the ground or another.

"Why do I do it? It's dedication, I suppose, and it's good to give something back to the community. There's also a sense of satisfaction in being able to think I may have left a mark on the club I've always supported in some small way."

Ian admits he can't switch off from his voluntary role even when he's cheering the Robins on with his son at The J.Davidson Stadium.

"I'll be watching the game and then, out of the corner of my eye, I'll spot something that needs a coat of paint and think to myself that's a job for tomorrow," he said. "It's like painting the Forth Bridge - there's always some that needs doing.

"It only looks good once, then wear and tear or sun damage takes it toll, and you have to start all over again. I thoroughly enjoy what I do, though. There's a quiet satisfaction to it, I suppose, and it's a way of giving something back after 40-odd years of following the team.

"I live in Stretford but was born in Sale Moor, and my grandmother lived on Brentwood Crescent, just off Navigation Road, so I certainly consider myself local. My uncle took me to Alty games when I was six or seven, and it has carried on over the years, with my son really get into it now. We go to most home games and a few on the road as well.

"Unless I fall off a ladder, I'll keep turning up and helping out whenever there's some painting that needs doing, and while I'm happy keeping a low profile and just getting on with it, I must say this award has come as a lovely surprise."

It's fully deserved, Ian - many thanks for your selfless dedication, and enjoy the voucher that is kindly supplied by our friends at the excellent town centre eaterie, Blanchflower.